"Between 98 and 99 percent of the water used by UEC is recycled and goes back into the ground," Wall said. Wall explained that UEC uses water and oxygen to release uranium attached to sand particles 300 feet under the ground, then separates the water from the uranium at a plant and recycles the water.

"It serves us no benefit to use all the water in the aquifer," Wall said.

Wall said UEC will follow rules set by the TCEQ to avoid contamination of surrounding water sources and that it is in the best interest of UEC to keep the uranium contained.

Under TCEQ regulation, Wall said, the UEC will test a series of monitor wells surrounding the drilling sites, to ensure uranium is not spreading.

"Residents expressed concern that we will re-introduce uranium into the area," Wall said. "The uranium is already in the ground. That is why our company has spent resources to pursue mining it."